FIA prepares challan in PTI foreign funding case

Islamabad: (Web Desk) – The Federal Investigation Agency has finalized its challan in the foreign funding case against the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, which is expected to be submitted in court within a day.

According to sources, the 57-page report names 11 individuals as accused. The party’s founder has been identified as the principal accused, while others including Tariq Shafi and Hamid Zaman have also been implicated.

Investigators have declared three individuals as absconders, including Arif Naqvi and Tariq Rahim Sheikh.

The challan reveals that more than 1,800 financial transactions were carried out from various countries into party-linked accounts under the banner of “Naya Pakistan.” Authorities allege that a total of $2.1 million was received through illegal channels.

According to the findings, a significant portion of these funds was routed through a company named “Vote on Cricket Limited,” reportedly linked to Arif Naqvi in records submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan. However, the FIA states that the firm is registered in the Cayman Islands and has been flagged as suspicious.

The report further indicates that several companies involved in the transactions were either inactive or fictitious, raising serious concerns about the legitimacy of the funding sources.

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The case was heard in a special court in Islamabad, presided over by Abdul Ghafoor Kakar. Special prosecutor Wasiq Malik and the investigation officer appeared before the court.

During proceedings, the court was informed that the challan has been completed and will soon be submitted to the registrar. The hearing was adjourned until April 21.

The court also extended interim bail for the accused, including Siraj Ahmed and Faisal Qazi, until the next hearing date. The prosecution noted delays due to Faisal Qazi’s absence, while the defense argued that he is employed at a bank in Dubai and travels to Pakistan for court appearances.

The prosecutor emphasized that the accused must seek court permission before traveling abroad. The judge warned that strict action would be taken if any accused fails to appear at the next hearing.

The case has been registered by the FIA under charges of money laundering and related offenses.